Earthquake in Chile
Following the earthquake off the coast of Chile on Saturday, the infrastructure in some parts of the country was seriously damaged. Those who have been unable to contact relatives in Chile who are Swedish citizens can call the Ministry for Foreign Affairs Consular Affairs and Civil Law Department. Contact can be made via the Government Offices switchboard on +46 8 405 10 00. People currently in Chile are urged to get in touch with their families in Sweden.
Even those who earlier were unable to contact a relative in Chile and reported this to the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, and who have now had contact, should inform the Ministry of this.
Due to the earthquake, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs is advising against unnecessary travel to the Chilean regions of Maule and Biobio. The Chilean government has declared a state of emergency in these regions and imposed a night-time curfew between 21.00 and 06.00.
In the worst hit area - around Chile's second largest city, Concepción - many buildings have collapsed, as has much of the infrastructure. It is estimated that two million homes have been destroyed. There is a lack of electricity, sanitation services and food, but the most acute problem is the lack of water. Reports from different parts of the country are coming in at varying rates.
Swedes in the area
Approximately 600 people are registered on the "list of Swedes" as permanent residents in Chile. As telephone communications are very poor, not all of these people have been in touch. In addition to those permanently resident, a few hundred are estimated to be temporarily visiting the country.
The airport in Santiago is partially operating again, both for departing and incoming flights. Travellers are urged to contact their tour operators for information. The Swedish Embassy in Santiago is open and working as a crisis organisation from its regular premises.
